The weather was perfect for Mahood Lake Road’s August long weekend fishing derbies.
Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department’s Aug. 3-4 fishing derby saw 464 tickets sold, 10 per cent more than 2012, and a total of 160 fish weighed in, compared to last year’s 97.
Fish prizes were awarded to six places this year, in addition to three prizes for children, and countless door prizes.
Of the 19 rainbow caught, Terry Dennis’ was the largest at 3 1bs. 2 oz. Then came: Marissa Ramsey and Frank Hildebrandt, both 2 1bs. 7.oz.; 10 year old Shaylee Nickel of Maple Ridge, and Drew Chapman, both 1 lb. 7 oz.; and Dean Foucher at 1 lb. 5 oz. Although Marisaa was only allowed one fish prize, she also caught a winning kokanee.
Kokanee numbered 66 and the win went to Terry Dennis’ 3 lbs. 2 oz. fish. The other prize-winners were: Logan Ramsey, 3 lbs.; Al Belhumeur and Cole Cooke, both at 2 lbs. 9 oz.; Devon Lyons, 2 lbs. 6 oz.; and William Ramsey and Norm Pickering, both at 2 lbs. 5 oz.
Bob Grotke won for largest of 75 lake trout, with his 15 lbs. 2 oz. specimen. Behind him came: Shane Parks, 8 lbs. 4 oz.; Larry Parks, 5 lbs. 7 oz.; Roy Grinder, 4 lbs. 5 oz.; and Dave Sowles and Roseanne Bird, both at 3 1bs. 6 oz.
Winner of “youngest fisherperson present” was Lee Simkins’ new baby boy, 10-day-old Hudson.
Ron Law won for being “the oldest fisherperson present.”
Seven-year old Travis Reynolds won the prize for smallest fish caught.
Among many great draw prizes, a float tube, donated by Wildman’s Outdoor Living Store, went home with John Mitchell.
Deka Lake & District Ratepayers’ Association members did a booming business with close to 200 breakfasts served each day, and 232 suppers on the Sunday. They are most appreciative of those who came forward to help.
Over at Sulphurous Lake District Volunteer Firefighters’ Association’s derby, close to 400 tickets were sold Aug. 4.
Forty-six fish were reeled in at Sulphurous and just one rainbow from Hathaway.
This year, for the first time, lake trout were allowed at Sulphurous, and 18 were caught. Spokesperson Bryan Austerberry, said: “This was great, and just shows that conservation pays off.”
Prizes went to Denise Britton, 9 1bs. 8 oz.; Randy Andreachuk, 2 1bs. 13 oz.; and Greg Rector, 2 1bs. 11 oz.
All three rainbows earned prizes, for: Clark Duimel, 5 lbs. 8 oz.; Zoe Bowman, 3 lbs. 3 oz.; and Jack Schaffer, 2 lbs. 10 oz.
The largest of 19 kokanee was caught by Randy Andreachuk at 3 1bs. 13 oz. Second and third prizes went to Greg Rector and Wayne Baber, both at 2 1bs. 10 oz.
Seven youngsters vied for four pikeminnow prizes, which went to Georgia and Owen Grimes who each caught seven; and Kaitlyn and Crystal Brooks caught four. The hidden weight prize was won by Justin Vernon’s 1 lb. 2 oz. fish.
Austerberry and his wife, Siana, who were “in charge,” especially appreciated Lavonne Frey’s help. “She was a great help, and we couldn’t have done it without her knowledge and experience,” said Siana.
Both fire departments are most grateful to their generous prize donors, many helpers, and especially the public for making their annual events so successful.